Craps vs. Baccarat: Which Casino Classic Is Right for You?
Craps and baccarat are easily two of the most popular casino table games. Each has been around for centuries and offers a unique gaming experience. You can’t go wrong with either, but which is the better fit for your style?
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of craps vs. baccarat, exploring how each game works, their pros and cons, and which might offer better odds for your real money bets.
Craps vs. Baccarat – Which One Has Better Odds?
While baccarat’s banker bet has the lowest house edge at 1.06%, craps offers odds bets that can tip the scales when used alongside the pass or don’t pass line.
| Game | Bet Type | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Baccarat | Banker Player Tie | 1.06% 1.24% 14.36% |
| Craps | Pass Line Don’t Pass Line Odds Bets | 1.41% 1.36% 0.0% |
With odds bets, craps can actually offer a better long-term value.
What You Should Know About Craps
Craps is a fast-paced dice game played on a long, felted table covered in various betting boxes. It can seem overwhelming at first, but many players start with the most straightforward bets: the pass line and don’t pass line.
Pass Line Bet
- Wins on the come-out roll with a 7 or 11
- Loses on the come-out roll with a 2, 3, or 12
- Establishes a “point” number with any other combination (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). The shooter must roll the point before 7 to ensure pass line bettors win.
- House edge: 1.41%
Don’t Pass Line Bet
- Wins on the come-out roll with a 2 or 3
- Loses on a 7 or 11
- Pushes with a 12
- Establishes a point number with any other result. The shooter must roll 7 before the point to ensure that don’t pass line gamblers win.
- House edge: 1.36%
Do you want to learn more about craps wagers? Check out our Craps Game Guide to master every bet and superstition like a pro!
Craps – Pros and Cons
Pros
- You roll the dice – Craps is an exception to other casino games because it lets you roll the dice and determine results.
- Low house edge – Pass line and don’t pass lines are worthwhile wagers with 1.41% and 1.36% house edges, respectively.
- Exciting gameplay – The craps table typically features the wildest bunch in the casino. Players like to bet on the house through pass line wagers.
Cons
- Sucker bets – Craps contains many sucker bets—wagers with high house edges. Any seven leads the way with its 16.67% house advantage, while ten other bets have 11.11% – 13.89% house edges.
- Etiquette and superstitions – The craps table is intimidating due to its unspoken etiquette and superstitions. For example, you’re not supposed to say seven because it could bring bad luck.
What You Should Know About Baccarat
Baccarat is a classic card game where the player and banker compete to get as close to nine as possible. If the total exceeds nine, only the second digit counts (e.g., 18 becomes 8).
While baccarat has a complex third-card drawing system, players don’t need to worry, just focus on placing one of these three bets:
- Banker (1.06% house edge) – Bet on the banker having the better hand.
- Player (1.24% house edge) – Wager on the player having the superior hand.
- Tie – (14.36% house edge (not recommended)) – Both hands tie.
Explore the best strategies in our Baccarat Game Guide to boost your odds and bet with confidence.
Baccarat – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simple betting structure – Even as a novice, you’ll pick up baccarat within minutes after learning the wagers. Just pick player, banker, or tie.
- Low house edge – The banker and player wagers offer great odds of winning, with 1.06% and 1.24% house advantages, respectively.
- Easy strategy – Want to play optimal baccarat? Bet on the banker’s hand each time to enjoy a 1.06% house edge.
Cons
- Confusing drawing system – You don’t need to learn the drawing system to enjoy baccarat. But you’ll be confused watching the game unfold if you avoid learning this complicated system.
- Bad side bets – Most side wagers aren’t worth your time due to the high house advantages.
Craps Vs Baccarat: Choose Your Favorite Game & Start Betting
What makes craps so appealing to players is the lively, energetic atmosphere at the table. It’s one of the few games where every player eventually steps into the spotlight, taking turns as the shooter.
While the layout and terminology can seem intimidating at first, the basic rules of craps are fairly easy to understand once you get the hang of it. Once you do, the game becomes an exhilarating, fast-paced ride.
However, it’s definitely more suited to those seeking action and intensity rather than a calm, leisurely gambling session.
Baccarat, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed and structured experience. The gameplay is straightforward: just grasp the card values, choose from one of three betting options, and watch the hand unfold.
It doesn’t require quick decisions or much table involvement, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a slower, more strategic pace with minimal complexity.
Both games are classics for a reason. Ultimately, your best game depends on what you value most: thrill and involvement or simplicity and low risk. Either way, you’re in for a great time.
